Health Article
11 Apr 2023
Boba, or bubble tea, originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s and quickly gained popularity in Asia before spreading around the world. This drink is made from tea, milk, sugar, and chewy balls made from tapioca flour or sweet potatoes called boba. Initially, the drinks were only tea and milk, but tapioca balls were added to give a different and chewy sensation when consumed. Boba is now a popular drink that can be found in many bars around the world.1
Excessive consumption of boba or bubble tea can increase the risk of certain health problems, especially if the drink contains a lot of added sugar.1
Some of the health risks that may occur due to excessive consumption of boba include:1,2,3,4
1. Weight Gain: Bubble tea tends to contain added sugar and high calories from milk, cream, syrup, tapioca balls and other ingredients. If consumed in excess, this drink can lead to excessive weight gain.
2. Digestive Problems: The tapioca used in boba cannot be digested easily by the body. If you consume too much tapioca, could cause the body could not get enough fiber intake. Lack of fiber and other nutrients from healthy foods can cause digestive problems such as constipation.
3. Blood Sugar Rise: Boba drinks that contain a lot of sugar can cause a significant rise in blood sugar. This can be a problem, for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
4. Dental Caries: The added sugar in boba drinks can damage teeth if consumed regularly without proper dental care.
Having learned about the dangers of excessive intake of boba, it is noteworthy that it also has benefits that can be obtained if consumed reasonably and in moderation, among others:3
1. Energy source: Boba contains carbohydrates and sugars that can provide fast energy to the body.
2. Source of calcium: Milk used in boba drinks is a good source of calcium for bones and teeth.
3. Improves mood: Boba can provide a pleasant drinking experience and improve mood.
4. Lowers stress: Drinking boba can help reduce stress and anxiety due to its delicious taste and chewy sensation of tapioca balls.
5. Source of antioxidants: The tea used in boba drinks contains antioxidants that are good for the health of the body.
However, it is important to remember that since boba has a high content of sugars and calories, excessive intake can negatively affect your health. Always consume low sugar boba drinks with fewer toppings and pay attention to the health of your entire body by maintaining a balanced diet and exercising adequately.3,4
References :
- Sade Meeks, MS, RD. What Is The Nutritional Value of Boba?. Last reviewed June 22, 2022. Available on:
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/nutritional-value-of-boba
- Rizal Fadli . Beware, 5 Dangers of Frequent Consumption of Boba Drinks. halodoc. Last reviewed June 24, 2021. Available on:
https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/waspada-5-bahaya-sering-konsumsi-minuman-boba
- Kathleen M. Zelman. Boba Tea: Are There Health Benefits? Last reviewed November 10, 2022. Available on:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/boba-tea-health-benefits
- Yusra Firdaus. What are the Dangers of Boba in Sugary Drinks? HelloSehat. Last reviewed: January 25, 2023. Available on: